Projects
(STPP) Program and DDP have been working on projects together in several areas.
Accessible Transportation
Detroit Disability Power’s mission is to ensure the full inclusion of Metro Detroit’s disabled population in transportation, housing, employment, and many other areas of life. The 19.4% of Detroiters in the disability community share a disproportionate overlap with other marginalized populations, including those with fewer financial resources and racial minorities. People with disabilities are a marginalized group in part because of the exclusion they face due to economic, social, and civic barriers in our ableist system. Lack of access to transportation is a contributing factor to this exclusion, and an accessible and reliable transit system in Detroit is necessary to allow all residents to participate fully in society.
We outline the components of an accessible and reliable transportation system in this infographic.
Climate Change
The risks to humans from climate change are wide-reaching, but felt unequally among members of society, including People with Disabilities (PWD). Current climate action plans rarely address how cities will respond to the disproportionate impact of climate change on Disabled People. This lack of response deepens existing inequalities and places PWD at significant, and potentially fatal, short- and long-term risk. In the report "People with Disabilities Must Be Included in Climate Action," specific risks are identified, followed by recommendations detailing how current and future climate action plans can bring Disabled Voices into the policy-making process and enact the change necessary to allow them to lead more healthy and fulfilled lives. Read more about this partnership project here.
Artificial Intelligence in hiring
Employers are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to make hiring decisions. These data driven tools, also referred to as predictive/algorithmic hiring or machine learning (ML), are used across the hiring pipeline to filter resumes, categorize applicants according to personality traits, and evaluate video interview performance.
Since these software tools are trained on historical data, they will likely reflect the industry’s systemic biases, and there is a huge risk that employers will perpetuate discrimination against People with Disabilities by using these new technologies. STPP researchers wrote a memo, Artificial Intelligence Hiring Technology and Disability Discrimination, for policy makers and the disabled community to help navigate this new hiring environment. Read more about this partnership project here.